SEQUIM – Family, friends and veterans from Sequim, Neah Bay and elsewhere honored Robert Peter Marshall on Saturday, remembering the longtime Sequim resident and VFW leader as a hero, beloved family man and an adventurer.
Mr. Marshall, born in Fairhaven, Mass., lived for nearly 20 years in Sequim with his wife of 60 years, Betty, before he died of natural causes on July 27 at his home at the age of 84.
“He wasn’t just a dad. He was my best friend,” his son, Robert F. Marshall, told more than 100 gathered at Sequim Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4760.
“He was a cool, cool guy, and adventurous.”
Mr. Marshall, a decorated World War II veteran who fought in almost every significant campaign in North Africa and Europe, also played a key role 13 years ago in founding the Neah Bay VFW Post No. 11481.
Several members of the Neah Bay post attended the service and served as the honor guard that honored Mr. Marshall, who was not a Native American, with a rifle salute and taps.
Mr. Marshall, who rose to the rank of master sergeant, served in the Army from 1940 to 1946.
He parachuted into Normandy on D-Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, among other battles.
He earned the Purple Heart three times and was awarded a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, said his son.
